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Cost of living in Cape Town
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Cape Town.
One person, a month
ZAR 12,566
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
ZAR 43,491
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
ZAR 16,573
A month
Gross salary, one person
ZAR 350,000
to cover living costs in Cape Town
Cape Town's cost of living at a glance
Cape Town is the most expensive city in South Africa and one of the most expensive cities in Africa. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Cape Town are ZAR 12,566, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are ZAR 43,491 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Cape Town may need a gross salary of at least ZAR 350,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in ZAR, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Cape Town compares
One person's monthly costs in Cape Town, excluding rent, are 8.8% higher than in the typical city in South Africa and 15.0% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Cape Town ranks
In South Africa
1st of 15
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Africa
4th of 92
Cities in Africa with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
54th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 54% of 1,942 cities: around the middle of the cost range.
One-bedroom rent, centre
2nd of 15
Cities in South Africa, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Cape Town
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Cape Town | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | ZAR 16,573 | ZAR 7,946 +108.6% | ZAR 12,173 +36.1% |
| Groceries | ZAR 3,354 | ZAR 3,121 +7.5% | ZAR 4,606 −27.2% |
| Eating out | ZAR 2,076 | ZAR 1,809 +14.7% | ZAR 2,593 −20.0% |
| Transport | ZAR 979 | ZAR 896 +9.3% | ZAR 656 +49.3% |
| Utilities | ZAR 2,802 | ZAR 2,809 −0.2% | ZAR 2,863 −2.1% |
| Leisure | ZAR 1,008 | ZAR 739 +36.5% | ZAR 1,016 −0.8% |
| Total excluding rent | ZAR 12,566 | ZAR 11,548 +8.8% | ZAR 14,781 −15.0% |
| Total including rent | ZAR 29,139 | ZAR 21,123 +37.9% | ZAR 27,430 +6.2% |
Typical = the median of 15 cities in South Africa and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Cape Town
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Cape Town
Cape Town is the 2nd most expensive city in South Africa for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in South Africa is Bhisho.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs ZAR 16,573 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs ZAR 10,440 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 59% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | ZAR 16,573 | ZAR 14,369– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | ZAR 10,440 | ZAR 7,873– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | ZAR 27,671 | ZAR 19,683– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | ZAR 20,034 | ZAR 14,763– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | ZAR 36,290 | ZAR 29,525– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | ZAR 23,913 | ZAR 14,763– |
Cost of everyday items in Cape Town
Groceries in Cape Town are around 10% more expensive than the average for South Africa, while eating out is around 17% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs ZAR 22.13.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs ZAR 19.35.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs ZAR 54.10.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | ZAR 22.13 | ZAR 13.77– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | ZAR 19.35 | ZAR 13.61– |
| Eggs, 12 large | ZAR 46.89 | ZAR 23.61– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | ZAR 138 | ZAR 78.69– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | ZAR 97.88 | ZAR 67.87– |
| Beef round, 1kg | ZAR 134 | ZAR 88.53– |
| Apples, 1kg | ZAR 29.67 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Oranges, 1kg | ZAR 29.35 | ZAR 14.76– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | ZAR 26.56 | ZAR 11.80– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | ZAR 20.00 | ZAR 9.84– |
| White rice, 1kg | ZAR 37.05 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | ZAR 33.12 | ZAR 24.59– |
| Bananas, 1kg | ZAR 31.64 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Onions, 1kg | ZAR 23.61 | ZAR 12.79– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | ZAR 18.85 | ZAR 12.79– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | ZAR 103 | ZAR 54.10– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | ZAR 23.94 | ZAR 17.71– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 37.22 | ZAR 18.03– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | ZAR 54.10 | ZAR 44.27– |
Eating out in Cape Town
A 0.5-litre draught beer typically costs ZAR 49.18, making Cape Town the most expensive place in South Africa to buy a beer.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ZAR 197 | ZAR 118– |
| Three-course meal for two | ZAR 787 | ZAR 492– |
| Fast food combo meal | ZAR 98.37 | ZAR 88.53– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | ZAR 49.18 | ZAR 39.35– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 59.02 | ZAR 49.18– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 23.77 | ZAR 14.76– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 17.87 | ZAR 14.76– |
| Cappuccino | ZAR 39.68 | ZAR 29.51– |
Transport in Cape Town
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | ZAR 18.20 | ZAR 11.31– |
| Monthly public transport pass | ZAR 979 | ZAR 344– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | ZAR 21.31 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Taxi start | ZAR 19.67 | ZAR 6.72– |
| Taxi, per km | ZAR 25.08 | ZAR 13.61– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | ZAR 81.15 | ZAR 81.15– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | ZAR 579,677 | ZAR 571,705– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | ZAR 516,100 | ZAR 442,877– |
Utilities in Cape Town
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | ZAR 2,116 | ZAR 1,181– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | ZAR 625 | ZAR 476– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | ZAR 552 | ZAR 295– |
How is Cape Town for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of ZAR 1,002,000 a year in Cape Town, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs ZAR 4,345 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs ZAR 27,671 a month.
Cape Town scores 27/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | ZAR 43,491 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | ZAR 71,162 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | ZAR 4,345 | ZAR 2,559– |
| International primary school Annual | ZAR 88,290 | ZAR 35,430– |
Leisure and clothing in Cape Town
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | ZAR 835 | ZAR 394– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | ZAR 174 | ZAR 59.02– |
| Cinema ticket | ZAR 143 | ZAR 88.53– |
| Jeans | ZAR 954 | ZAR 590– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | ZAR 605 | ZAR 295– |
| Nike running shoes | ZAR 2,027 | ZAR 1,181– |
| Men's leather business shoes | ZAR 1,679 | ZAR 787– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Cape Town?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in South Africa, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Cape Town. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Cape Town, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
ZAR 350,303
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Cape Town, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- ZAR 276,067
- Living costs
- ZAR 276,067
- Tax and contributions
- ZAR 74,236
Where your salary goes
- Living costsZAR 276,06778.8%
- Income tax and contributionsZAR 74,23621.2%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | ZAR 350,303 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | ZAR 74,236 |
| = | Take-home pay | ZAR 276,067 |
| − | Rent | ZAR 125,276 |
| − | Groceries | ZAR 40,252 |
| − | Eating out | ZAR 24,907 |
| − | Transport | ZAR 11,751 |
| − | Utilities | ZAR 33,626 |
| − | Leisure | ZAR 12,099 |
| − | Other estimated costs | ZAR 28,155 |
| = | Left over: savings target | ZAR 0 |
ZAR 350,303 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 21.2% effective tax rate and ZAR 74,236 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026/27
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Cape Town costs an estimated ZAR 10,440 per month. ZAR 10,440 per month × 12 months = ZAR 125,276 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Cape Town spends an estimated ZAR 3,354 on groceries per month. ZAR 3,354 per month × 12 months = ZAR 40,252 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Cape Town spends an estimated ZAR 2,076 on eating out per month. ZAR 2,076 per month × 12 months = ZAR 24,907 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Cape Town spends an estimated ZAR 979 on transport per month. ZAR 979 per month × 12 months = ZAR 11,751 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Cape Town spends an estimated ZAR 2,802 on utilities per month. ZAR 2,802 per month × 12 months = ZAR 33,626 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Cape Town spends an estimated ZAR 1,008 on leisure per month. ZAR 1,008 per month × 12 months = ZAR 12,099 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. ZAR 2,346 per month × 12 months = ZAR 28,155 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026/27. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Tax year runs 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Does not apply the primary tax rebate (R17,235), which effectively exempts the first ~R95,750 of income. No personal allowances, medical credits, or retirement fund deductions applied. UIF ceiling R17,712/month (R212,544/year) per SARS, unchanged since June 2021.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, South Africa's tax rules for 2026/27 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / SARS.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Cape Town: common questions
Is Cape Town expensive to live in?
Cape Town is the most expensive city in South Africa and one of the most expensive cities in Africa.
A single person spends about ZAR 12,566 a month excluding rent, against ZAR 11,548 in the typical city in South Africa (the median of 15 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Cape Town costs the same as or more than 54% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it around the middle of the cost range.
What salary do you need to live in Cape Town?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least ZAR 350,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Cape Town, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and South Africa's tax rules for 2026/27. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Cape Town?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs ZAR 16,573 a month, and ZAR 10,440 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about ZAR 27,671 a month in the centre and ZAR 20,034 outside it.
Cape Town is the 2nd most expensive city in South Africa for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Cape Town?
A family of four spends about ZAR 43,491 a month on living costs excluding rent, or ZAR 71,162 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of ZAR 1,002,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs ZAR 4,345 a month per child.
How does Cape Town compare with South Africa's other cities?
Cape Town ranks 1st of 15 cities in South Africa for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 8.8% more than in the typical city in South Africa.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, South Africa 2026/27
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for South Africa (2026/27). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 15 cities in South Africa in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Cape Town's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside South Africa and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.